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LATEST ARTICLES
Win a Christmas Family Celebration Hamper from The British Hamper Company!
Celebrate the festive season in style with The British Hamper Company’s Christmas Family Celebration Hamper – a luxurious collection of British artisan treats perfect for a family Christmas.
This beautifully crafted wicker hamper, designed for reuse, is packed with savoury and sweet delights to bring loved ones together.
Enjoy bottles of Esporao Monte Velho red and white wines, perfectly paired with rosemary & garlic olives, all-butter cheddar biscuits, and sea salt crisps. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in caramel sea salt fudge, bean-to-bar chocolates, lemon butter shortbread, and a traditional iced Christmas cake.
To add a festive twist, the hamper also includes spiced cookies and jalapeño & lime mixed nuts. The sustainable wicker basket makes this gift both a delicious and eco-conscious choice.
Enter now for your chance to win this delightful hamper and bring festive joy to your family!
Simply send an email to competitions@blmgroup.co.uk with the subject ‘Christmas hamper’. Please also include your name in the email.
Council lodges formal objection to solar farm plans
West Lindsey District Council has formally lodged an objection to the proposed Tillbridge Solar Project, urging the Secretary of State for Energy security and Net Zero, to refuse development consent over serious concerns over the project’s landscape impact, visual effects, and potential implications for local communities.
The Tillbridge Solar Project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and therefore not decided through the normal local planning processes, which means that the council is not the decision-making body for this application. It is decided by the Secretary of State, following a six-month examination by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, whether to grant a Development Consent Order.
The project which includes solar PV arrays, electrical substations, battery energy storage systems, and a cable route corridor connecting to the National Grid Cottam Substation, is currently one of five NSIP solar developments being proposed for development in the district.
West Lindsey District Councillor Lesley Rollings said: “We are committed to our role as the host authority, working to ensure that our communities are informed and involved. We urge residents to engage in the Open Floor Hearing, where they can express their perspectives and learn more about the potential impact of the Tillbridge Solar Project.
“The Council will continue its efforts to advocate for responsible development in West Lindsey, balancing renewable energy needs with the preservation of local landscape, heritage, and community integrity.”
In a written statement, the council asserts that the project does not align with key local and national policies meant to safeguard the district’s environment and community well-being.
In related news, the council has welcomed a recent decision by the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero to delay until the end of January the final decision on the West Burton Solar Project.
This delay, announced via a statement in Parliament earlier this month, follows objections from the council and Historic England concerning the impact of that project on heritage sites, including the medieval Stow Park Deer Park and the setting of the Bishop’s Palace. It underlines the importance of thoroughly assessing solar projects to ensure they align with environmental and heritage protections.
The Secretary of State has requested that the developer make adjustments, including removing panels from these sensitive areas. The council will submit further comments on these matters by the December 9 deadline for public feedback.
St Andrew’s ealthcare Voluntary Services team named King’s Award winners
A team that supports people with complex mental health needs has received the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The Voluntary Services team from St Andrew’s Healthcare, located in Northampton, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024, which recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups which support their local communities.
The accolade, equivalent to an MBE, has been awarded to St Andrew’s Healthcare in recognition of the work their volunteer team does, and the impact they have on the lives of hundreds of patients.
Simon is a patient at St Andrew’s and has benefitted from the Befriending service, which involves a volunteer him on a regular basis.
Simon said: “The volunteering team has really made a difference to my recovery at St Andrew’s. Some people don’t have family and friends to visit, but I do. However, sometimes family visits can be quite intensive. I found very often I was putting on a brave face to the ones I loved, so they did not worry about me.
“That is why having a Befriender is such a worthwhile and essential service to everyone, even people like me who have visitors. It truly makes all the difference having a visit from a volunteer as there are no expectations, and you can share as much, or as little with that person as you like, while keeping a connection with the outside world.”
The Befriending programme is one of 14 volunteering services that St Andrew’s provides, which also includes supporting patient activities, such as a weekly social club, Pets as Therapy visits and volunteering in some of the charity’s onsite shops.
There are currently 450 volunteers who donate their time to the three St Andrew’s sites in Northampton, Birmingham and Essex.
Dawn Wright, Voluntary Services Manager, said: “Our volunteers are so generous and bring a special kind of magic to our patients, contributing to their recovery in a variety of different ways. Each and every one of them bring something unique to our organisation and patients, something that cannot be replicated by staff or family members.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award as it sends a strong message to our local community about how vital volunteers are to the people in our care. Our volunteers provide added benefit to the charity by complementing the work of our paid colleagues. They bring varied skills, experiences and ideas, very often providing one-to-one time with patients, which enhances their lives. I couldn’t be any prouder of them and my team for receiving this incredible award.
“But it’s not just our patients who benefit from volunteering; our volunteers themselves say they gain a huge amount from working with us. Many of them have told us how they really feel part of the St Andrew’s community, have made new friends and have learnt lots of new skills. We welcome anyone who walks through our doors, from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, interests and experiences, who want to make a difference.”
Volunteering at St Andrew’s is steeped in history as it is believed the first volunteers, linked with the charity, date back to 1838. Lord Compton – The Marquess of Northampton, whose father helped build the original hospital in Northampton – is the earliest named volunteer which dates back to 1885.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. It has now continued following the accession of His Majesty The King and winners are announced annually on 14 November, which is The King’s Birthday.
Dr Vivienne McVey, CEO of St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “We’re enormously proud to have received this prestigious accolade. We value our volunteers as they play such an important role in our patient’s recovery. I know many of our volunteers personally and have seen them grow in confidence and gain additional skills.
“I have also heard many stories where volunteers have brought light to the lives of some of our patients – many of whom do not have family or friends who visit, but have found support and friendship from our volunteers.”
The St Andrew’s Voluntary Services team will officially receive their award and certificate from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq next year. In addition, two of the winning team will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
The winners are determined by local assessors who research and visit the nominated groups before writing a report on their suitability. Local assessment panels then decide which ones to put forward to the National Assessment Committee. The committee considers the nominations and agrees a shortlist for approval by The King.
Trading Standards seize illicit tobacco worth about £100,000
North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards team have seized illicit tobacco products worth about £100,000 during Stoptober.
The team and partner organisations such as Humberside Police uncovered 28,120 cigarettes, 12.45 kilos of tobacco and 3133 illegal disposable vapes in a number of shops during the four-week operation. The products have an estimated value of over £100,000.
Shops and businesses on Freeman Street, Cromwell Road, Yarborough Road, and Second Avenue on the Nunsthorpe estate were all visited. The raids were part of Operation CeCe, an ongoing intelligence-led operation, targeting counterfeit and illicit cigarettes, tobacco and illegal disposable vape dealers.
Since January 2021, North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards team have seized 84,957 packs of cigarettes, 10,750 pouches of tobacco and over 17,000 illegal vapes, with a combined value of almost £1.8 million, all money which would have gone out of the local economy and into the hands of organised crime gangs.
Humberside Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Grimsby West Claire Jacobs said: “We deployed our teams in support of North East Lincolnshire Council during this important operation to combat illicit cigarettes and tobacco within North East Lincolnshire.
“We continue our commitment through the Clear Hold Build initiative to ensuring that Grimsby remains a fantastic place, and working closely with partners on operations such as this one helps us to do exactly that.”
By law, Vapes should have an internal tank capacity of no more than 2ml, and the level of nicotine contained in the vaping fluid should not exceed 2 per cent.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “This joint operation shows just how important it is to work together. Multi-agency operations such as these are keeping these products, that do not meet safety standards and are putting lives at risk, off the streets. We know illicit and fake cigarettes do not comply with the Reduced Ignition Propensity requirements and won’t self-extinguish, so are likely to start a fire.
“When you buy these products, you could be putting your own health at risk. Not only has no duty been paid on them but they’ve not been tested to ensure they’re safe.”
He added: “It is important to remember that whilst legitimate disposable vaping bars can be a very useful aid to smokers who are wanting to quit, they still have potential health issues as a result of use, and should never be purchased and used by non-smokers”.
Drivers in Boston see 236% increase in number of parking fines issued
Drivers in Boston have seen a 236% year-on-year increase in the number of parking fines issued to them by their local council, according to new data analysed by cinch, the UK’s biggest online retailer of used cars.
According to the new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Boston Borough Council issued 1,142 more parking fines in 2023/24 compared to 2022/23:
- Between April 2022 and the end of March 2023, 483 parking fines were issued by Boston Borough Council.
- In comparison, between April 2023 and the end of March 2024, this number increased to 1,625 fines, marking a 236% increase year-on-year.
- On average, 4 fines were issued per day between April 2023 and the end of March 2024.
- From April 2022 to March 2023, parking fines generated £11,978 for Boston Borough Council.
- In the following year (April 2023 to March 2024), this figure increased to £32,897, representing a 174% increase.
Exchange of contracts moves Stamford development a step closer
Contracts have been exchanged in readiness for the planned transformation of the former Cummins site, a major brownfield location in Stamford.
South Kesteven District Council and landowner partner Burghley House Preservation Trust Ltd have reached purchase agreements with Morris Homes, Inspired Living and Burghley Land Ltd for the St Martin’s Park project, which covers almost 15 hectares.
The development will feature a designated commercial area; mixed-use area; retirement village; and a range of residential properties including affordable homes; and areas of green and open space.
The Council purchased the Cummins site in 2018 which, combined with adjacent land owned by Burghley House Preservation Trust, makes up the 14.7 hectare development site. The council bought the site in 2018 to ensure part of it would be used to provide jobs after the Cummins factory closed, and the designated commercial and mixed use areas will provide office space as well as a convenience store to serve the whole development.
Morris Homes will provide the residential development; Inspired Living the retirement village; and Burghley Land Ltd the commercial development.
SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “This is a major development that will transform a derelict site into a thriving addition to the Stamford community. It will be a high-quality, well-designed and sustainable development with cycle routes and walkways into the town centre.
“It’s important to note that SKDC bought the former Cummins site in order to preserve employment use and we have remained true to that ambition.”
Outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2021 and the next stage in the planning process will see the three developers submit reserved matters applications early in 2025 for their parts of the development, along with an overall scheme to deliver joint infrastructure works on the site, including roads.
Cindy Cade, Group MD at Morris Homes, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Kesteven District Council to bring forward this exciting new development at St Martin’s Park in Stamford.
“This mixed-use scheme will offer a collection of premium and affordable homes ranging from two to five bedrooms. They will be designed to suit a range of demographics and lifestyles as well as some of the highest energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
“Following the success of our Cecil Square development, we are thrilled to continue our commitment to quality housing in the area, creating homes that will support the needs and aspirations of the whole community.”
Spectacular Anglo-Saxon finds go on show in new museum exhibition
Two spectacular Anglo-Saxon gold pendants unearthed by metal detectorists in a North Lincolnshire field are among the objects going on display in a new exhibition that opens at North Lincolnshire Museum on Saturday 16th November.
The exhibition tells the story of the discovery and excavation of two Anglo-Saxon cemeteries at Sawcliffe in Roxby cum Risby during the 1990s, and what these and other sites in Winterton Vale, The Hidden Valley, can show about life in Anglo-Saxon England.
The star of the exhibition is a stunning gold pendant dating to the seventh century. Unearthed in 1993 by metal detectorists Craig Allison and Glyn Nicklen, the pendant features an ornate design in the shape of a cross surrounded by beautiful red garnet gems – three of which survive.
Craig Allison, owner of Crawfords Metal Detectors, said: “Although it happened more than 30 years ago, I remember the thrill of holding the pendant like it was yesterday. It’s a feeling that will never leave me. It was hard to believe it had spent over 1,400 years below ground, as I held it in my hand, it shone like the day it was made.
“We spent a whole week poring through the soil trying to find the missing central garnet with no luck. No matter though – the pendant is still spectacular, and I’m proud and delighted more people get to see it.”
The pendants will be exhibited alongside more beautiful objects from Sawcliffe, which was excavated between 1993 and 1998 by staff and volunteers from North Lincolnshire Museum.
Visitors can expect to see everything from brooches and buckles to pottery and weapons – many of which will be going on display for the very first time.
Lincoln shines a light on Sutton on Sea for Christmas
Christmas lights that once graced Lincoln are to be given a new home at Sutton on Sea on the Lincolnshire coast.
The city has invested £140,000 in new lights, but didn’t want to dump the old ones. Seeking to address the city’s commitment to its ‘Let’s Address the Challenge of Climate Change’, the plan had been to offer them to charitable and voluntary organisations in the city through Voluntary Centre Services.
But then City of Lincoln Council is pleased to announce the donation of its previous Christmas lights to Sutton on Sea, supporting the coastal community while reinforcing the council’s environmental goals.
This gesture comes following the council’s recent £140,000 investment in new seasonal lighting for Lincoln, prompting the need to find a sustainable solution for the old lights.
As part of the council’s Vision 2025 and its commitment to , the council prioritised reusing and recycling to avoid waste.
Recognising the opportunity to reuse the lights and bring joy to another area, the council decided to initially make these lights available to
However, Sutton on Sea’s ward councillor Robert Watson said Sutton would like to have them after a culture meeting with City of Lincoln Council’s Events, Tourism and Culture Manger on the Lincolnshire coast.
City Cllr Joshua Wells said: “We’re delighted that the lights were able to go to a good home in Sutton on Sea, where they can be enjoyed by the community.
“Sutton on Sea’s LightWaves event was a huge success and saw many crowds celebrating the colourful illuminations, projections, and performances on offer. We hope the lights donated by City of Lincoln Council will continue to be an extension of this joy over the festive period.
“City of Lincoln Council is committed to supporting our neighbouring towns and making choices that reflect our green focus and Vision 2025 goals.”
City of Lincoln Council’s new Christmas lights go live on 28 November.
Mablethorpe’s badger problem turns out to be even worse
Badger burrowing beneath Mablethorpe has caused even worse problems than was at first thought, with a second set of tunnels discovered, meaning a greater impact on road users.
Specialists digging under the road after safe removal of the badgers to repair the problem discovered more tunnels, this time up to 1.5 metres deep, and running beneath service pipework.
That’s going to make repairs more difficult, but the deadline set by Natural England can’t be extended. Lincolnshire County Councillor Richard Davies said: “The frustration with getting these badger works sorted is growing. We are working as hard as we can to restore this road so that the people of Mablethorpe can get on with their daily lives in the way they expect.
“We can’t move the badgers without a road closure, Natural England also says that we must finish the work by the end of November otherwise we can’t get this collapse repaired until next year.
“And now we find that there’s more tunnels, this time under the rest of the road. And this is going to complicate matters further, not in small part because of the restrictions placed upon us. Whilst the badgers are being very well accommodated, Mablethorpe road users are having to bear the brunt of some serious disruption in their area. It feels very unfair.”
LCC will now NOT be able to lift the road closure on the road and return to temporary traffic lights as first planned. Because of the extra excavation, and the A1104 roadworks that are happening nearby, the authority has had to come up with a new plan, speedily.
Seaholme Road will remain under full closure whilst the new set of badger tunnels are dealt with, and the road reinstatement works are carried out. LCC crews will be working flat out to get the works completed as quickly as possible.
Cllr Davies added: “We have spoken to the bus companies as a matter of urgency, and we are putting extra people on shift to get this work done.
“Because everything has to be completed by the end of the month, we can’t try a temporary traffic light fix to ease traffic flow because if it doesn’t work and the badgers’ damage can’t be fixed quickly enough, then there is the risk that the road won’t be useable until next July.
“We can’t have that for Mablethorpe. It’s not the road user’s fault that this has happened and we need to get this issue sorted out, even with all the time restrictions that Natural England have placed on the works.
“I want to express our thanks to everyone affected by this so far. Your patience and understanding of what we’re trying to do in order to have the road usable and open again for December is very much appreciated. We will get this work completed as quickly as we possibly can.”
Police need more money to provide a better service, say councillors
West Lindsey District Councillors want Lincolnshire Police to have more money to strengthen community-focused policing efforts and enhance public safety.
Councillors unanimously supported a motion calling on local and national officials to support funding that enables Lincolnshire Police to restore the principles of neighbourhood policing established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern policing.
Cllr Stephen Bunney said police officers needed to build trust within communities, focusing on preventing crime and disorder through public engagement rather than punitive measures.
Peel’s model has inspired Chief Constable Paul Gibson’s current Making Lincolnshire Safe Strategy 2024-25, which prioritises neighbourhood policing as a pathway to building public confidence and reducing crime.
Cllr Bunney said the strategy had worthwhile aspirations, but was not being fully met across our district. “The limited number of officers and resources available are focusing on detecting and solving serious crime – leaving precious few resources and individuals to carry out ‘preventative work’.
“In some areas, levels are so low that neighbourhood teams are providing minimal part-time cover for less than half the week, hardly working with the police to bring about community safety and welfare. In fact, it harbours the opposite, because residents do not have confidence in the force and so do not report issues etc, taking the attitude there’s no point as there’s no officers to deal with a concern anyway.”
However, the council notes that inadequate funding threatens the fulfilment of these objectives in Lincolnshire, which has the least-funded force in the country with the third lowest number of officers per 1,000 head of population.
Cllr Bunney added: “This is detrimental to our low-density rural area where the numbers of officers per head of population need to be higher than the national average to compensate for the time taken travelling between communities and to visit the myriad of hamlets and ‘isolated’ standalone properties.
Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan said: “We had the police come to Overview and Scrutiny Committee only a few weeks ago. One of the things we learned was that there was a suspicion of underreporting and it’s so important that we report incidents because that will help to give support to our police to reinforce the vigilance by the police on the ground. It’s so important that we report all incidents.”
